The East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center is closed for the 2021–2022 winter season. The Lead Draw gate is closed as of March 24 and will reopen on May 15.
East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center
Located just 7 miles outside of Pocatello, East Mink Creek Nordic Center is a quality ski and snowshoe area. It hosts approximately 20K of groomed classic and skate trails. The Nordic Center is operated by the City of Pocatello through a special use permit with the United States Forest Service and through volunteer services of the Pocatello Cross-Country Ski Foundation (PXCSF).
Staffing
The area is staffed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-December through mid-March. Skiers may use the trails any day during the season by purchasing a season pass or by using the daily fee drop box located at the parking lot.
Rental Center
The A-frame rental center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-December through mid-March. You may rent ski and snowshoe equipment as well as purchase passes.
Early Bird Discount
Save up to $35 per pass by purchasing your season passes in October at the Community Recreation Center.
To use the groomed trails at the East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center, trail passes are required 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Proof of purchase must also accompany each skier (i.e., season pass, daily pass, or parking receipt). Snowshoeing does not require a trail pass as those trails are not groomed, but it does require a parking receipt.
Ski, boot, and pole rentals are available whenever the A-frame rental center is open. If you would like a quick lesson before venturing out on your own, send an email to Andrea Faust to schedule a lesson time.
The Outdoor Recreation Department helps local students get outdoors each winter. School groups from the Pocatello area can take field trips to the East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center to enjoy a day of guided snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Enjoy warming up in the Yurt after your adventure of exploring trails. Send an email to Andrea Faust to schedule your guided trip.